G.M.H. REWA (M.P.

)
SESSION – 2024-25

SUBJECT: COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

ASSIGNMENT
ON
ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE
Submitted to Submitted by
ANSHIKA GUPTA
MRS. MINAKSHI KUSHWAHA
[Link]. Nursing
HOD of 1st Year
Community Health Nursing

DATE OF SUBMISSION -
 ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION –

Medicine (CAM) is the term commonly used to describe a broad range of healing
philosophies, approaches and therapies that focus on the whole person including
biopsychosocial and spiritual aspect.

SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

 ALLOPATHIC - Allopathic medicine has been dominant 100 years. Allopathic

medical care is particularly effective when aggressive treatment needed in
emergency Allopathic has not been very effective in dealing with chronic
illness.

 COMPLEMENTRY AND ALTERNATIVE – Complementry and alternative

medicine (CAM) includes various healing approaches and therapies that
originate from around the world and that are not based on conventional
Western medicine. These therapies are called alternative medicine when they
are used alone and complementary medicine when they are used with
conventional medicine.

 COMPLEMENTRY THERAPY - Complementry therapy is that therapy used

in addition to conventional treatment recommend by the person's health care
provider. Alternative Therapy It includes the same intervention as
complementary therapies but frequently becomes the primary treatment that
replaces allopathic medical care.
AIM -
 To promote advance the science of alternative systems of medicines

 To advance the scientific study and professional practice of alternative medicines

 To maintain the honour and dignity and to uphold and safeguard the interests of

alternative systems of medicine and other allied subjects.

 To give he rights of practicing to Registered Medical Practitioners enrolled by the Board

as qualified physicians

 To improve public health

 To establish, organise, finance and maintain dispensaries, hospitals, research institutes

etc. of alternative systems of medicine.

PRINCIPAL –

 ILLNESS occers if the body is out of balance.

 Body can heal itself and maintain a healthy state if given the right condition.

 The whole person should be treated not just the disease or the symptoms,

 The gentlest therapies must be tried first before the harsher ones.

 There is no quick-fix since healing takes time.

 Natural products are preferable to synthetic ones.

 Complementary and alternative therapies are based on the body's innate ability to heal

itself.

 Natural alternative medicines do not rely on prescription drugs, surgery, and other

conventional medical procedures

TO USE RESOAN -

 the alternative therapy

 Reduce the side effect of treatment.

 Reduce the side effect of disease

 Suggestion is family friends and society.

 Philosophical or cultural orientation.

 Less expensive

 Easier to asses in food stores then physician.

 Desire to treat the disease in natural way.

 Improve the immune system.

 Improve the immune system

 Improve the quality of life.

TYPES OFCOMPLEMENTRY AND ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

 1. Alternative Medical Systems
2. Mind-Body Interventions
3. Biologically-Based Therapies
4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods
5. Energy Therapies

 ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL SYSTEM - systems are built upon complete

systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from
and earlier than the conventional medical approach used.

TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM

1. Acupunture
2. Ayurved
3. Homeopathy
4. Naturopathic medicine

1. ACUPUNTURE is a component of tradi onal Chinese medicine that originated

in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy,
called "qi” that circulates through twelve invisibleenergy lines known as meridians on the
body

Acupuntureists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the
restore balance to the flow of qi. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the
body.

How acupunture works

 there are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are.
acupuncture stimulates the release of pain.
 acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that
transmit nerve impulses to the brain.
 acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system.
 acupuncture stimulates circulation.
 acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
Limitation of acupunture
 tension headaches
 sinusitis
 common cold
 addictions, quit smoking
 Meniere's disease
 arthritis
 menstrual cramps
 asthma
 weight loss
 infertility

2. AYURVEDA -ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated

there over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasizes re- establishing balance in the
body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and body cleansing, and on the health of
the mind, body, and spirit

Ayurveda, everything is composed of five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and
space. These elements combine to form the three doshas i.e.
1. Vata
2. kapha
3. pitta

1. VATA -The vata dosha is a combination of space and air. It controls

movement and is responsible for basic body processes such as breathing, cell
division and circulation. Vata body areas are the large intestine, pelvis, bones,
skin, ears, and thighs. People with vata as their main dosha are believed to be
quick-thinking, thin, and fast, and are susceptible to anxiety, dry skin, and
constipation.
 2. KAPHA -The kapha dosha represents the elements of water and earth.
Kapha is believed to be responsible for strength, immunity, and [Link]
body areas are the chest, lungs, and spinal fluid. People with kapha as their
main dosha are thought to be calm, have a solid body frame, and are
susceptible to diabetes, obesity, sinus congestion, and gallbladder problems.

3. PITTA -The pitta dosha combines fire and water. It is thought to control
hormones and the digestive [Link] body areas are the small intestines,
stomach, sweat glands, skin, blood, and eyes. People with pitta as their
primary dosha are thought to have a fiery personality, oily skin, and are
susceptible to heart disease, stomach ulcers, inflammation, heartburn, and
arthritis.

An ayurvedic treatment plan involve

1. Diet and detoxification
2. Herbal medicine
3. Yoga
4. Meditation
5. Exercise
6. Massage

Ayurvedic medicines for various elements Asthma

1. Back Ache
2. Bleeding Gums
3. Blood Dysentery
4. Bronchitis
5. Cancer
6. Chicken Pox
7. Cholera
8. Cough and Cold
9. Dengue

3. Homeopathic

typically derived from plants, herbs, minerals, or animal products. After being crushed
and dissolved in alcohol and/or water, the selected substance undergoes a long
process of dilution and succession (a process that involves vigorous shaking of the
solution). The solution is then stored.
Clinical Application of Homeopathic

 Diarrhea
 Migraines
 Mo on Sickness
 The Flu

Side effects of Homeopathic Remedies

Since they are so diluted, homeopathic remedies don't usually cause adverse effects. In some
cases, however, patients may briefly feel worse after first beginning their homeopathic
treatment.

Limitation of Homeopathy

1. A surgical problem which has progressed far beyond its initial stages might not respond
to homoeopathy.
2. Some sudden life threatening situations like heart attacks, paralytic strokes, diabetic
comas etc. might have to be initially treated with allopathy, till the patient is out of
danger.
3. It is relatively slow acting as compared to the steroids.
4. The success rate is not 100%.

4. Naturopathy

Naturopathy uses body's natural healing abilities in prevention and treatment of disease
through a healthy lifestyle. It builds immunity, improves mental health, and enhances body
functions. Naturopathy mainly focuses on finding the cause of the disease rather than merely
treating the symptoms of disease. It uses diet, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, herbal medicine,
and other therapies to return the body to a state where it can heal itself.
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF NATUROPATHY

1. Weight loss
1. Fatigue
2. Menstrual cycle disturbances (e.g. , cramping, fluid retention, irregular cycles)
3. Stress and anxiety
4. Mild depression
5. Mood swings
6. Allergies
7. Arthritis
8. problems (e.g. hot flushes, insomnia, mood changes)
9. Sleep problems
10. Poor immunity
11. Arthritis
12. Blood sugar imbalances
13. Slow metabolism
14. General wellbeing
15. Preconception care and fertility

TYPES OF NATUROPATY
1. REBALANCING FOOD
2. ESSENTIAL OILS, AND OTHER BACH FLOWER HERBS AND PLANTS
3. RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
4. MASSAGE

 BODY MIND INTERVENTIOS - Mind-body medicine uses a variety of

techniques designed to enhance the mind's capacity to affect bodily function and
symptoms. Some techniques that were considered alternative in the past have
become main stream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-
behavioral therapy).

TYPES OF BODY MIND INTERVENSIONS

 Meditation and Breathing

 Relaxation
 Hypnosis
 Biofeedback

1. MEDITATION AND BREATHING - Meditation si ng or res ng quietly,

o en with the eyes closed, which s lls the mind for greater self-awareness.
Medita on also helps in reduc on of pain and relieving stress. It also involves
some mes the repe ve sounding of a mantra, which helps the person to focus.
Medita on promotes relaxa on.
COMPONENT OF MEDITATION –

 A comfortable position.
 A respective attitude
 A focus of attention

TECHNIQES OF MEDITATION

 rhythmic breathing
 Progressive relaxation
 Relation by sensory pacing
 Relaxing with music

CLINICAL APPLICATION
 Prolonging Life Expectancy
 Stress Control
 Pain Management
 Cancer and Other Chronic Illness
 Heart disease
 High blood pressure
 Infertility
 Psoriasis
 Respiratory crises
 Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Tension Headaches
 Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcers, and Insomnia
 Fibromyalgia

LIMITATION OF MEDICATION
 It may be contraindicated in people who have a strong fear of losing
control.
 Hypertensive individual require a much shorter session than average 15-
20 minute session.

2. RELAXATION - Relaxation techniques are aimed at relaxing muscles and

quieting the mind and are mainly designed to relieve tension and strain. It is also
used as an alternative treatment for insomnia.
CHARACTERISTIC OF RELAXATION

 Decreased heart rate

 Decreased respiratory rate
 Decreased BP
 Decreased oxygen consumption

CLINICAL APPLICATION RELAXATION THERAPHY

 Lowering heart rate

 Lowering BP
 tension
 Improving well being
 Reducing symptoms of distress
 Depression
 Anxiety

LIMITATION OF RELAXATION THERAPY

 relaxation therapy has report fearing loss of control.

 Feeling they are floating and experiencing relaxation induced anxiety related to theses
feelings.
 Occasional relaxation techniques may result in continued intensification of symptoms.

3. Hypnosis
 Hypnosis a sort of conscious sleep or trance that can help people deal with addictions,
pain or anxiety disorders.
 In hypnosis, a person is put into an advanced state of relaxation in which he is relatively
unaware of his surroundings but not entirely unconscious about it.
 A hypnotized person follows the instructions given by the hypnotherapist and tends not
to be to psycho logic stress and conflict.
Indica ons of Hypnosis
 Habit Disorders
 Relaxation
 Anxiety States
 OCD
 Psychotic Disorders

Contraindica ons for Hypnosis

 In a patient who does not want it.
 Hypertensive individual.

4. Biofeedback
 Biofeedback is a group of therapeutic procedures that use electronic or
electromechanical instruments to measure the process and information to person
about their neuromuscular and autonomic nervous system.
5. The information or feedback is given in physical, physiological activity or visual
feedback signals.
6. People are trained to exercise some control over the way their bodies work and involves
measuring a subject's bodily processes such as blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature
using electronic sensors.
7. Biofeedback helps a person to be more aware of what his body is doing, and to bring
reactions under control.

The most common Biofeedback techniques are

8. Temperature biofeedback
9. EMG biofeedback
10. EEG biofeedback
11. Galvanic Skin Response

Clinical Applica on of Biofeedback

 Biofeedback helps the treating
  Pain
 Stress
 Insomnia
 Headache

LIMITATION OF BIOFEEDBACK
During relaxation the feeling may be uncovered that client cannot cope with
them. For this reason it’s recommended that practitioners should be trained.

 BIOLOGICALY BASED THERAPIES

Biologically based therapies in complementary and alternative medicine use substances
found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. There are mainly following types of
biological based therapy:
1. Herbal Medicine
2. Orthomolecular Medicine

1. HERBAL MEDICINE - Herbal medicine is a system, which uses various remedies

derived from plants and their extracts to treat disorders and maintain good health. Either a
whole single herb or a mixture of different herbs can be used. Though herbal medicine
exhibits a slower and deeper action they assist the body to eliminate and detoxify, thus
taking care of the problem that’s causing the symptoms. Herbal medicines are available as
extracts, infusions, pills, and powders.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF HERBAL THERAPIES

 Wound healing
 Hypertension
 Diabetes
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Motion sickness

2. ORTHOMOLECULAR MEDICINE - Orthomolecular medicine involves the use of

proper nutrition or nutritional supplements to maintain and restore health. 
Orthomolecular medicine uses combinations of minerals, vitamins and amino acids
normally found in the body to treat specific conditions.
 CLINICAL APPLICATION
 Cardiovascular Disease
 Hypertension
 Beriberi
 Night blindness
 Osteomalacia
 Pernicious anemia
 Rickets
 Scurvy
 Xerophtalmia

 Manipulative and body-based methods - Manipulative and body - based
methods in complementary and alternative medicine are based on manipulation and/or
movement of one or more parts of the body.

TYPES OF MANIPULATIVE AND BODY-BASED METHODS-

 Chiropractic
 Osteopathy
 Massage Therapy
 Reflexology
1. CHIROPRACTIC- Chiropractic is based on the theory that disease conditions result
from misalignments of body structures, especially the spine. Due to this misalignment
pressure is placed on the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column resulting in
decreased function of the nerve and the organs that they [Link] treatment for
achieving this balance is spinal manipulation to restore correct alignment and full
working order. Researches have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating low back
pain.
3. OSREOPATHY - Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment by manipulation
that mainly focuses on musculo- skeletal problems.  It differs from chiropractic in its
underlying theory that it is impairment of blood supply and not nerve supply that leads to
problems.  Doctors of osteopathy use manipulation plus traditional medicine to cure
problems.

4. MASSSAGE THERAPY - It is the manipulation of body tissues to promote wellness

and reduce pain and stress.  It plays an important role in treating illness or chronic
ailments, and contributes to a higher sense of general well being. It involves a variety of
techniques such as stroking or kneading for applying pressure to specific points. 
Massage therapy may cause side effects and should not be used in people who have
infectious or contagious skin diseases.

5. REFLEXOLOGY - Reflexology is the practice of stimulating points on the feet, hands

and ears to improve health or give a beneficial effect on some other parts of the body. It is
commonly performed on the particular areas of foot that are believed to correspond to
different organs or systems of the body. This helps to eliminate the blockage of energy
responsible for pain or disease in the corresponding body part.
 ENERGY THERAPIES - Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that
purportedly surround and penetrate the human body. The existence of such fields has not yet
been scientifically proven. Some forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying
pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields.

TYPES OF ENERGY THERAPY -

1. Reiki
2. Therapeutic touch
3. Boielectromagnative-based therapy

[Link] - Reiki is a technique, which uses the channeling and flow of energy through the body
to improve health and promote healing.  It is very much different from conventional healing
therapies. Because in a Reiki therapy, there are no medicines or tools needed to heal diseases. 
All a practitioner has to do is to direct energy towards the body through the hands and the
power of meditation.

CLINICALLY APPLICATION OF REIKI –

 Arthritis
 Endometriosis
 Chronic fatigue syndrome
 Insomnia
 Depression
 Migraines
 Hot flashes
 Cramps

LIMITATION OF REIKI - are requires Need other treatment in addition to Reiki therapy in
case of serious illness.

[Link] THERAPY- The technique uses the therapist's healing energy to

identify and repair imbalances in a person's biofield. They believe that by placing their hands on
or near a patient's body they can direct energy and correct disturbances.
 CLINICALY APPLICATION –
1. Swelling
2. Infections
3. Wounds
4. Ulcers
5. Thyroid problems
6. Burns
7. Nausea
8. Premenstrual syndrome
9. Diarrhea
10. Headaches
11. TT is useful in treating diseases such as measles, Alzheimer’s disease

LIMITATION OF THERAPEUTIC THERAPY

 eye and facial contact during session.
 Person who are sensitive to human interaction and touch.
 Physical abused
 Psychiatric diseases.

[Link]-BASED THERAPY - use pulsed energy or magnetic fields

to alter the body's electromagnetic fields and cure illness. Magnets have become a popular
treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions and even to relieve pain.

CLINICAL APPLICATION
 Osteoporosis
 arthritis
 Effective in healing non-union fracture hip
 Pain

CONTRAINDICATION

 Pacemaker or other implanted or external medical devices

 Pregnancy
 Myasthenia gravis
 Hyper functional endocrine glands
 Active TB, acute viral diseases
 Malignancies
 Psychoses
 Organ transplant
ROLE OF NURSE INCOMPLEMENTRY AND ALTERNATIVE
THERAPY

1. The integrative medicine approach is consistent with the holistic approach

nurses are taught to practice.
2. Nurses have the potential for becoming essential participants in this type of
health care philosophy.
3. Nurses should be knowledgeable of CAM therapies to make appropriate
recommendation.
4. Nurses should also provide advice to client regarding when to seek
conventional therapies or CAM therapies.
5. Nurses need to be aware of their state nurse practice act with regard to CAM
therapies and practice only within the scope of these laws.
6. Nurses have knowledge regarding current researches being done in this area
to provide accurate information not only to patient but to other health care
professionals.
 CONCLUSION

Promotion of alternative system of medicine in India has not only made

the world aware about rich Indian cultural heritage but also opened new
ways to ancient medicine system of Ayurveda, Siddha, Sowa-Ripa,
Homeopathy and Unani system to reach the global audience. It will further
aid India to consolidate as medical tourism hub and emerge as the world’s
leader in this field. Cheap medication and treatment will further attract
more medical tourists from under developed and developing countries. As
a whole India, in future can aid the world to achieve Sustainable
Development Goal of “Good Health and Well Being”.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. “Dash Bijaylashami” Comprehensive Textbook Of Community Health Nursing, Ist

edition,Jeypee Brothers Medical Publication , page no.421-438
2. “Ravi Prakash Saxena” textbook of Community health nursing – II” 2nd edition , Lotus
Publishers page no.80 a
3. “Dr. [Link] Tulasi & [Link] Prasuna” A text book of Community Health
Nursing-II” 2nd edition , Frontline Publication page no. 205-207.
4. “K Park” textbook of Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine 22st edition ,
M/S Banarsudas Bhanot publication page no.536.
5. “Perry and potter” Fundamentals of nursing 6th ed. Mosby an imprint of Elsevier NEW
DELHI pp 915- 26.
6. Stuart W. Gail, Lararia T. Michele. Principle and practice of psychiatric nursing. 8th ed.
Mosby an imprint of Elsevier. NEW DELHI : Pp 618-26.
7. Black Joyce M. et al .Medical Surgical nursing. 1st ed. Singapore. W.B. Sunder 1997:
pp780-5.

NET REFERENCES

1. [Link]
2. [Link] gement/[Link].
3. [Link] Net reference
4. [Link] Ayurveda